Nicaragua registered the lowest international tourist arrivals in Central America during Easter 2026
Nicaragua's poor performance during the main vacation period of the year highlights the challenges the country faces in attracting international tourism.
TL;DR
- Central America received about 1.1 million international tourists during Easter 2026, achieving record numbers.
- Nicaragua ranked last in Central America for international tourist arrivals, with only 35,477 visitors.
- Guatemala led with 501,000 visitors, followed by Costa Rica (259,000), El Salvador (208,000), Panama (88,406), and Honduras (57,675).
- Nicaragua's low numbers contrast with regional growth, indicating challenges in attracting tourists due to connectivity, safety perception, and promotion.
- Costa Rica was the leading nationality visiting Nicaragua (12,279), followed by Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Belize.
- The peak arrival day in Nicaragua was Saturday, March 28th, with 13,401 people entering mainly through terrestrial border crossings.